Can a Cop make you Pop.... Options

[Random_Stranger]

Your hood for no reason (Or even in California)? I was hearing about things like this happening. Today I got pulled over because my license plate was falling off due to a screw missing, so I put it on my dashboard. I got pulled over for a fix it ticket (not a problem) and the cop asked me if I had any engine modifications. I told him "No", and he took my word for it (and believe me, I have no modifications other than that aluminum hood, not even an exhaust). I was curious why he didn't make me pop it anyways. Was it because had I said yes, he would be allowed to then check it?


I wear hearing that in Santa Barbara, because of illegal displays of "exhibition of speed" (Hah! I didn't say the R word), that any car for whatever reason, they just pull over and say "Pop your hood" and then cars get impounded. I am not saying it is okay to do the "exhibition of speed thing", but some of us cannot afford a Mercedes McLaren, and just want that luxury, ya know?


Anyways, what are your thoughts or facts?


Thanks

[lagos]

By law, you have the right to refuse a search, and the officer can NOT search the inside of the car without probable cause.

Now if the officer sees an open beer bottle in your back seat, or gets a drug dog, who indicates drugs in the car, then that is the probable cause that lets him search the car. If he doesn't see/find any of those things, then he can not search your car without a search warrant.

However...California works a little differently. They still cant just search the inside of your car for no reason, but they can make you pop your hood. The probable cause in that case would be if the car looks modified from the outside. THIS LAW ONLY APPLIES TO CALIFORNIA. No other state will ask you to pop your hood.

This post has been edited by lagos: Jul 22, 2008 - 12:48 PM